Kari’s Top iPhone/iPad Apps for Toddlers

Getting a toddler to sit still long enough to complete a task is a challenge for most parents, including myself. Most kids that age bounce from one thing to another, and instead of playing with their toys, they want what they usually can’t have—technology.Usually it’s the remote control, the computer, the cell phone, anything with a button that their little fingers can push.Thankfully the invention of application software, a.k.a. apps, have seemed to accomplish the impossible—keeping the focus of my little one so that I can get something done.I know it sounds crazy giving a 1.5 year old my $500 iPad as a toy, but that’s the risk this mom is willing to take in order to get dinner on the table, wash dishes, clean the kitchen, pay a bill, finish a phone call, or on some rare instances, just sit down for a moment.

Here is a list of my top, free apps for iPhones or iPads:

Phone 4 Kids –

This app includes a touch-sensitive menu of icons that mimic a real smart phone that allows your child to explore colors, numbers, shapes, letters, animals, and more.The free version is great; however the $1.99 for the full-version is money well-spent.This is one of Zane’s favorites!

Music Sparkles –

This app is a fun way to introduce your child to music, as it’s an all-in-one musical instrument that includes drums, xylophone, vocals (for the free version), saxophone, guitar, piano, harp, harmonica, accordion, and flute (for the upgraded version).

Toddler Puzzle Shapes –

Entertaining and educational, this app teaches your child about shapes and develops fine motor skills that allow children to drag and drop shapes into a puzzle.

Kids Doodle –

This artistic app allows kids to freely paint/draw using a selection of brushes, effects, and colors like an upgraded etch-a-sketch.

ABC Alphabet Phonics –

This app teaches the ABC’s while using sight, sounds, and touch.

iDaft 2 –

“Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”…..get used to hearing that over and over again.This fun, beat box app includes combinations of sounds, phrases, and words that can keep your little one occupied for a while.

YouTube –

The YouTube app lets you create a “Favorites” page where you can flag certain videos that interest your child.Our favorites list includes many songs from Sesame Street, funny animal videos, and nursery rhymes.

Note to Parents: Please make sure when handing off your precious iPhone or iPad to your child that you have a strong, protective case that can withstand being bumped, dropped, stood on, drooled on or chewed on.I highly recommend the M-edge SuperShell Cover like this one: